smectic

adjective

Of or relating to the mesomorphic phase of a liquid crystal in which molecules are closely aligned in a distinct series of layers, with the axes of the molecules lying perpendicular to the plane of the layers.

Origin of smectic

From Greek sm&emacron;ktos, smeared, from sm&emacron;khein, to wash off.

smectic

Adjective

(not comparable)

(chemistry, physics) Describing a class of liquid crystals whose molecules are aligned in layers, with the molecules lying perpendicular to the plane of the layers